Comments By Josh D.

Super helpful info guys!

Right now I'm waiting on TMC to let me know if they want me. Haven't found another company I want to apply to yet. Yellow looks like you would have to spend an extended in in a hub like KC - I'd rather do the 19 day training and then be straight to home every weekend. Also call me weird but the way a company 'feels' is important to me. Yellow puts me off for some reason.

I didn't apply to maverick because you're tied to them for at least 2 years if I remember right. And then there was another one that seems to mostly be up north with their terminals and training. IDK. TMC kinda has me sold with the home every weekend thing. If someone else who did paided training offered a similar deal in the central Kansas / SW Missouri area - I'd definitely check them out too.

Hay Josh; welcome to Trucking Truth!!!

We've got a great app, right here ~ Apply For Paid CDL Training, TMC included.

Thanks! I used it already! TMC was one of the ones who responded.

I’m not sure about companies that offer training but one thing I’ve told people who are wanting to get into the field is to try and get any endorsements you want while you’re on your learners permit. If you go and take the tests for the doubles/triples and tanker before you get your license, it’ll save you some money since they’ll already be on your license when you take your final test. I got my tanker and doubles/triples on my learners permit and didn’t have to pay anything for them.

So, to make sure I understand. Even if the company only does flatbed single trailers who trains me, If I study and take the tests for my permit for multiples and tanker, I'll still get those endorsements on my CDL without having to do anything on my final test? It's not like they'll provide a tanker for me to do a pre-trip inspection on if the company doesn't drive them!

Does this work for hazardous materials too?

Good luck. To study for your permit use the High Road CDL Training Program.

I already started!

If I were in your shoes:

YRC CDL Driving Academy

Paid while you train (about $17/hr, actual rate varies by your location's union contract), Teamster scale after you get your CDL. Weekends off. Healthcare is 100% paid for you AND your family.

Thanks. Hadn't paid attention to this one yet!

I'm really appreciating this site so far. A place that is looking to educate those of us getting into the business!

I'm 35 and switching careers. Not getting ahead doing what I'm doing and need to start putting something away so our dream of an acreage and homesteading can happen someday!

Here's my deal. I can't put myself through driver school right now. So i'm kinda limited to companies that will sponsor me through a school, or who have their own. I'm strongly leaning towards TMC at the moment because they do this AND have weekend hometime. This is important because I have 3 small children and a sweet wife who I want to see as much as possible! Maximum hometime is a bigger plus than maximum $$$. I realize this is the tradeoff.

Does anyone have any other company suggestions? TMC only requires 1 year after training, which is another plus as I could possibly switch to another company with dedicated home every after only a year. This would be the ultimate goal. We currently live in central Kansas, half an hour north of Wichita, but am looking to move to central Missouri (Ozark specifically which is near Springfield). 2-3week OTR is really not an option at this point in my life.

Really appreciate any input! I do think the flatbed lifestyle will work for me. I like climbing stuff and that sounds less boring that just drop and hook.

Josh